S. African broadcaster in crosshairs

Oosthuizen investigating corruption

But the South African Broadcasting Corp. is taking a painful look at its own affairs, with internal auditor Elsie Oosthuizen now under 24-hour bodyguard protection as she probes alleged fraud and corruption at the company. Oosthuizen allegedly received threatening phone calls and was followed as she drove out of the pubcaster’s offices in Johannesburg.

She is said to be investigating “influential individuals” — including a well-known radio station manager, a marketing manager and an SABC lawyer — in connection with the SABC-sponsored Metro FM Music Awards concert held in Port Elizabeth last year.

The SABC has been plagued by ongoing allegations of corruption over the past year, with head of legal services Mafika Sihlali suspended in August following allegations that he had defrauded the SABC of $700,000.

His suspension followed an investigation commissioned by the SABC board’s audit committee after allegations of corruption and abuse of power were leveled against him. A disciplinary hearing is still pending.